Iran says S-300 system operational

Iranian state television reported on Saturday that the advanced S-300 air defense system, which the Islamic Republic bought from Russia, is now operational.

“The S-300 air defense system has been tested … in the presence of government and military officials,” the Iranian report said, according to the AFP news agency.

It added that the test at a desert base had seen several targets, including a ballistic missile and a drone, intercepted.

Air defense commander General Farzad Esmaili told the television that a domestically manufactured air defense system dubbed Bavar 373 which was “more advanced than the S-300” would be tested very soon.

“The S-300 is a system that is deadly for our enemies and which makes our skies more secure,” he claimed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree in 2015 lifting a ban on the delivery of the S-300 to Iran, explaining that his decision was motivated by Iran’s drive to find a solution in talks over its nuclear program.